Sir Keir Starmer has called for the UK to develop closer ties with the European Union to deal with the global consequences of the Iran war, as he warned Britons the coming weeks ‘will not be easy”.
The prime minister said the “volatile” international situation caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Tehran meant Britain’s “long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union”.
He added that Brexit “did deep damage to our economy”, and the “opportunities to strengthen our security and cut the cost of living are simply too big to ignore”.
But he insisted that Labour’s commitment at the general election not to rejoin the customs union, single market or freedom of movement remain in place.
Sir Keir’s attempt to bring Britain and the European Union closer together comes as the transatlantic relationship was dealt yet another blow by Donald Trump, who on Thursday said he was considering pulling the US out of Nato, branding it a “paper tiger”.
In response, Sir Keir attacked what he said was “noise” and “pressure” on the UK to enter the war, as he reiterated “we’re not going to get dragged into it”.
But as fears of an economic crisis at home grow, he added “I do have to level with people on this, this will not be easy”.
In a sign of the continued importance of the special relationship, despite the knocks it has taken in recent weeks, however, he claimed the move will “strengthen our relationship with the US, because successive presidents have said that Europe needs to do more on their defence and security.”
And in an attempt to de-escalate the crisis the foreign secretary will chair a meeting of international leaders on Wednesday to assess “viable diplomatic and political measures” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial to the world’s oil supply, he said. Military planners will also “look at how we can marshal our capabilities” and safely open the waterway after any ceasefire, he added.
It came as chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was “angry” that Donald Trump chose to go to war in the Middle East, but promised to stand beside people to keep costs down amid the threat of spiralling prices.
She told BBC Radio 2: “I’m angry that Donald Trump has chosen to go to war in the Middle East – a war that there’s not a clear plan of how to get out of it. It’s why we didn’t want to enter this.”
She added: “We are preparing – as you would expect me to be – for every single eventuality to make sure there alongside people, standing beside them, keeping costs down for everyone.”
Best for Britain, a campaign group which calls for closer relations with the EU, said Sir Keir was “entirely right to seek far closer co-operation with our European allies and friends” amid “Trump’s devastating Iran war”.
On Tuesday Trump singled out the UK over Sir Keir’s reluctance to join the war, writing on social media that the US “won’t be there to help you any more, just like you weren’t there for us” and telling allies they would have to “get your own oil”, following a report that he told aides he would be willing to end the war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts predict household energy costs could soar by an average of £288 from July.
The chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated she will not provide a Liz Truss-style blanket energy bailout for households, instead focusing help on those who need it most.
